Booking live entertainment for your wedding or event can be tricky. Since this is likely the first time you’re trying to plan such a big event, there’s so many things to know. Also so many things you don’t even know you don’t know! But fear not, we’ve complied the top 10 questions that you should ask a wedding band before booking. Armed with our list, you can get a very good picture of what to expect before you decide to sign on the dotted line!
#1 What’s provided by the band?
So the band or DJ is going to arrive and play music at your wedding…sounds simple enough. They’re going to step on stage and thrill the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning! But wait, what stage? Are they bringing stage risers? What about speakers and lights? microphones and mixing desks? Drum kits and guitar amps? It’s very important that these details are hammered out early, as many couples are very surprised when they see “production fee” added on to what was a really great deal. Wedding band Question #1 Does your band provide full production?
#2 What do you/the venue need to provide?
So now we know who’s doing all that heavy lifting, everything is set. The band and their team will set-up the equipment under the gazebo and guests will dance the night away under the stars. They just need to plug in to the….Uh oh where are the power outlets? Was the venue supposed to run extension cords? What about dinner? Does the band need a meal? Where will they eat? Figuring out the bands requirements is a key planning step! Wedding Band Question #2 What are we (the couple) required to provide?
#3 Any Outdoor requirements?
Ok ok, we’ve got the wedding band, they’ve got the gear, they’ve plugged it in, and they’ve had a meal…now get out there and make with the music under the stars! ….But what if it starts raining? What if it isn’t raining, but it’s really windy and the forecast ‘calls for rain’? Could be pretty dangerous to have them holding instruments, plugged into power, standing in a puddle. Most wedding bands will have a fully formed wet-weather policy, and you should know what’s needed to make for a dry and happy wedding party. Wedding band question #3 What happens in the event of bad weather?
#4 Where can you see your wedding band play?
Good wedding bands are in-demand! That means they perform all over the city, and probably all over the world. Before booking, you should absolutely go and check out the band at a local venue. See how they interact with the audience, how they sound in a small venue, the song list etc etc. Pro tip, ask the bartender/manager what they think of the band. Do they play here often? Any issues? Wedding Band question #4: Where and when can I come see you guys?
#5 How long are the sets?
Different bands all sort out the play time in different ways. Though the industry standard tends to be 3 sets with breaks, most bands are pretty flexible to adapt to fit the schedule. If they’re not, that could be a red flag. A great wedding, and a great wedding band must always flow with the evening. Weddings rarely follow a schedule to a tee, so a great wedding band must be flexible to fit. Wedding Band question #5: How long will you play for?
#6 How much?
Yeah, we left it until #6, but it wasn’t as if you were going to forget. OK, so here’s the deal; find your favourite sound first, and then work out the price second. The best wedding bands want to be a part of your day! They know that in addition to being a part of your wedding, they’re also getting the opportunity to showcase in front of a whole room of future clients. Keep in mind, the old adage: “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more true. So once your ears and eyes are happy with tip #4, work out a fair rate with the band. Just remember, the pros are pros for a reason…They’ve earned it, so they earn it. Wedding band question #6 What’s this going to cost?
#7 What’s the booking process?
A typical wedding band is going to provide a contract for your approval, prior to booking. These forms should outline the specifics of the day, answer basic questions, and provide a general outline for the day. Expect to place a 20-30% non-refundable initial payment to secure your booking. This payment is what secures your date in the bands calendar and holds them for your event. Both you, and the entertainers should sign and date. Wedding band question #7: May I see a sample contract?
#8 Can we make requests?
Classic Wedding band questions. Most bands will happily learn a limited selection of songs to make your wedding perfect. These can be first dances, or songs that really resonate with your wedding guests. Nothing better than the band performing that classic hit that you and your besties would jump and down to in college! However, limiting requests is a great idea for two reasons. #1) A great band knows what works…so with their years of experience their playlist may go over better on the dance floor. #2) Your favourite songs, could be just your favourite songs. Many selections will go over everyone’s head and fall flat on the dance floor. The entertainment is there to keep the party going strong. Wedding band question #8: Will you learn my favourite song?
#9 What do previous couples have to say?
So now you’ve learned a great deal by asking your wedding band the right questions, but why take their word for it? After all, they want your business! A great act will have amassed a ton of great reviews and will proudly post them. Any red flags? Are there ‘unknown unknowns’? Read the online reviews to see what past couples have had to say. Pro tip: The more often the band has been positively reviewed, the more experience they have in making your wedding a success. Wedding band question #9: How are the reviews?
#10 Is your wedding band Insured?
A bit of a wild card, but many venues require insurance. Though unlikely, When the band and crew bring in equipment, there is potential to damage something expensive. Pro wedding bands have a liability policy that covers them in the case of an unfortunate mishap. Wedding band question #10: Do you have insurance?